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YOUNGSTOWN U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson said he will resign his elected post in the first quarter of next year, before he is scheduled to take over on March 15 as president of Youngstown State University.

Johnson, R-Marietta, was hired for the new post Tuesday by an 8-1 vote of the universitys board of trustees.

His resignation will likely result in several Republican candidates seeking to succeed him in the 6th Congressional District seat. The 6th is considered a safe Republican district that takes in all or part of 11 counties including Jefferson, Harrison, Carroll, Belmont, Columbiana, Mahoning, Monroe, Noble, Washington, Stark and Tuscarawas counties. Mahoning is the districts most-populous county.

Dec. 20 is the election filing deadline for candidates wanting to run in the March 19 primary for the full two-year term.

With Johnsons resignation occurring after the Dec. 20 deadline, the state would likely be unable to schedule a special primary in March and then a special election in August for the seat.

A Republican and Democratic primary is first needed before a general election for the unexpired term.

That would mean the seat wouldnt be filled until next Novembers election.

It would leave the 6th Congressional District without a representative for most of 2024. And even if an August special general election were held, the district still would be without a representative for about six to seven months.

James A. Traficant Jr., who represented Mahoning and most of Trumbull counties in the U.S. House, was expelled July 24, 2002, after being convicted of 10 felonies, including bribery and racketeering. That left that district without a representative for five months.

State Sen. Michael Rulli, R-Salem, who has eyed higher office, said he is strongly considering attempting to succeed Johnson in the district. Rullis state Senate district includes all of Mahoning and Columbiana counties.

Rulli said he was planning to run last year for Congress if he were in a district that didnt include a Republican incumbent. But Johnson, who has represented Columbiana County since he was first elected in 2010, kept that county in his district.

We thought we were two or three years away from this decision, and now its only a couple of weeks, Rulli said. Im trying to work through things. Just that its an idea and a possibility is beautiful.

He plans to announce his decision shortly.

Other potential candidates are state Rep. Ron Ferguson, R-Wintersville; Christina Hagan of Marlboro, a former state House member who lost a congressional election in 2020 to Democrat Tim Ryan; and Madison Gesiotto Gilbert, who lost a congressional district race in 2022 and serves as a national spokeswoman at the Republican National Committee. Hagan and Gesiotto Gilbert live outside the 6th District, but a congressional candidate only needs to live in Ohio to run.

Sources say Christian Palich, who lives in the Columbus area and is vice president of public affairs for Taft Stettinius & Hollister, a law firm, was interested, but has since changed his mind. Palich is a former president of the Ohio Coal Association, worked in the Donald Trumps presidential administration at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as well as for Johnson.

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Johnson's upcoming resignation will trigger political chess game - The Steubenville Herald-Star

The German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development confirmed to German public broadcaster Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR) last week that four local Afghan employees of the German government aid organization Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) office in Afghanistan have been arrested by the Taliban-backed Afghan government.

According to a confidential EU security report obtained by WDR on Thursday, one employee, detained in early November, was arrested and is still being held in custody. Ten days later, two other Afghan employees of GIZ were arrested at Kabul International Airport attempting to travel to Dubai. The two employees detained at the airport are also alleged to still be in custody, along with their cellphones and laptops. WDR claims that it verified on-the-ground information that a fourth employee was arrested. All four employees are alleged to have worked in risk management for GIZ and have been accused by the Taliban of espionage. The arrests come less than a month after another wave of four arrests of GIZ employees in October, who have all since been released according to WDR.

In a statement to the Associated Press (AP), a Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development spokesperson wrote:

I can confirm that the local employees of GIZ are in custody although we have not received any official information on why they are detained. We are taking this situation very seriously and are working through all channels available to us to ensure that our colleagues are released.

The security of local staff for German aid organizations has been a continuing concern since the US pulled out of Afghanistan in 2021, leading to the Taliban takeover of the Afghan government. GIZ released a statement in January 2022 that it was continuing to attempt to evacuate local staff and their families, claiming that GIZ provided for the evacuation of 5,000 Afghans. However, concerns have been raised as to how effective the German governments response has been, leading Germanys legislature, the Bundestag, to establish the 1st Committee of Inquiry (Afghanistan) and the Study Commission on Afghanistan to investigate the German governments response to the Taliban takeover for both German- and locally-employed staff of German governmental organizations. Both committees have yet to publish their conclusions. While GIZ has remained open, other German government agencies in Afghanistan, including the German Embassy, have closed. The closure of the German Embassy creates a large obstacle for German aid organization employees, asthey may need to travel outside the country to apply for German visas.

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights bars the arbitrary detention of civilians, including civilian aid workers. Both Afghanistan and Germany are signatories. Article 71(2) of Additional Protocol I of the Geneva Conventions also grants special protections to aid workers in times of conflict, stating that Where necessary, relief personnel may form part of the assistance provided in any relief action such personnel shall be respected and protected. Aid workers are also protected under Article 8(2)(b)(iii) of the Rome Statute, which has also been ratified by both Germany and Afghanistan.

Human rights have been deteriorating in Afghanistan since the end of the US-Afghan War, according to the UN and multiple human rights groups. Women have beenbannedfrom practicing law,attending universityandriding public transportationwithout a male chaperone. Additionally, rates ofpoverty, deaths by IEDs, drug trafficking and deaths by suicidehave skyrocketed, as the economy has collapsed under the weight of Taliban rule and global sanctions,according to UN experts.

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Afghanistan arrests four local employees of Germany government ... - JURIST

Sebastian to banner Queen of the North chess tournament

By Marlon Bernardino PhilBoxing.com Tue, 28 Nov 2023

MANILA, Philippines---Woman National Master (WNM) Mhage Gerriahlou Sebastian of Flora, Apayao will spearhead a strong cast clashing in the "Queen of the North" chess tournament set Dec. 17-23 at the Ilocos Norte National High School gymnasium in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

The Batac, Ilocos Norte born Sebastian, who turned 18 on Nov.29, looms as the player to beat in the tournament owing to her current magnificent performance.

Fondly called Mhage in the chess world, she spearheaded the Far Eastern University chess team into championship in the just concluded University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Chess team tournament.

It shall be recalled that Mhage along with FIDE Master Alekhine Nouri represented the country in the FIDE World Junior Chess Championship held in Sardinia, Italy last year.

The event, hosted by Laoag City Mayor Michael Marcos Keon, in cooperation with the UP Vanguard, Inc., National Chess Federation of the Philippines headed by it's Chairman/President Rep. Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., and the Philippine Sports Commission offers a total prizes of P400,000 with the champion getting the lion share of P100,000.

Other female chess players vying in the event are WFM Samantha Glo Revita (Rosales), Mecel Angela Gadut (Candon), Bea Mendoza (Baguio), Merlene Membrere (San Fernando), Regyne Palaming (Urdaneta), Kate Ordizo (Alaminos), Precious Ferrer (Lingayen), Maycydel Fajardo (San Fabian) and Jallen Agra (Claveria). "Female chess players from the Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Cordillera regions as well nearby provinces are encouraged to join the regional chess meet scheduled in Laoag City on Dec. 17-23, which aims to discover the Queen of the North. said International Master Ronald Bancod, younger brother of veteran journalist Rey Bancod.-Marlon Bernardino-

Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.

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Sebastian to banner Queen of the North chess tournament - PhilBoxing.com

Credit: MOSAIC

Afghanistan is facing the worlds largest humanitarian crisis. The Afghan people are entangled in conflict, drought, extreme poverty, human rights violationespecially for women and girlsand two devastating earthquakes.

The Taliban continues to oppress Afghan women and girls, depriving them of their rights, says Sharon Butler, Director of Strategic Engagement and Partnerships from MOSAIC, one of BCs largest settlement and employment services organization supporting immigrants and refugees. They are not allowed to work or own businesses. Girls as young as seven years old are being taken out of school and not allowed an education. They need your help.

MOSAIC is working tirelessly to bring to safety some of the millions of Afghan people who have been forcibly displaced and live in daily fear for their lives. The organization has been sponsoring Afghan refugees since 2021 and aims to sponsor around 700 peopleincluding families, women and children, and single refugee womenthrough its Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program.

So far, the program has brought 82 Afghan refugees to Canadamany of whom supported Canadas peacekeeping efforts in the country before the Taliban takeover.

Seeking asylum and a safe life for their families, refugees are pleading for help from around the world, Butler says. MOSAIC is a leader in this Canadian effort, working to sponsor refugee families and help bring them to safety. If we dont help, these families can face up to ten years of waiting or further deportation.

But the costs are hefty. It takes $35,000to support a family of four or $20,000for an individual, and funding for the project will close by the end of 2024. MOSAIC is seeking financial contributions to continue its work.

Your giving saves lives and brings hope to refugees, Butler says. Everyone deserves a safe life and a place to call home.

People in British Columbia can donate to help in the sponsorship process through MOSAIC. When families arrive to Canada, we refer them to settlement agencies and any other resources that are relevant and available to them, Sherman Chan, Director of Family and Settlement from MOSAIC says. We develop a settlement plan with them for a year and ensure access to English classes, employment support

, further education, and trauma counselling when needed, all while making sure they are getting to know their community.

Please scan the QR code to donate or visit mosaicbc.org/donate-now

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The Afghanistan Crisis: MOSAIC is Your Chance to Make a Difference - BCBusiness

In the vast landscape of high school extracurriculars, only one activity stands out as a game-changer for cultivating critical thinking, strategic planning, and a sense of community chess.

While it might not be on everyones radar, the Chess Club makes a compelling case for why every student should give this timeless game a chance.

No one chess game is the same, there are almost limitless possibilities and consequences for each move so it doesnt get repetitive.

Sammy Basile

Senior Sammy Basile encourages students to give the world of chess a try, saying, I would say to just come once and check it out. If you enjoy it, then keep coming and getting experience. There are a variety of players, so if you wanna be competitive you can or if you just wanna chill and play non-competitive games, you can do that too.

The inclusive and diverse nature of the Chess Club speaks to its appeal to students of all backgrounds and interests. Whether youre a seasoned player seeking intense matches or a newcomer looking for a laid-back atmosphere, the Chess Club offers a welcoming space for everyone.

Mr. Vic Diprampero, the dedicated sponsor of the Chess Club, expresses his passion for the game and its impact on students. Well, I love chess. Ive always liked it since I was a kid. When I first started teaching, there was a Chess Club, but nobody did anything, so I took it over and grew it pretty rapidly. I think its important to be thinkers.

He elaborates on why he believes chess is crucial for students, stating, For one, its very fun, but it makes you think and it makes you think about consequences and actions.

In a world where instant gratification often takes precedence, chess offers a different perspective, encouraging players to contemplate their moves and consider the repercussions of each decision in order to find a hard-earned victory.

Chess grips its exponent, shackling the mind and brain so that the inner freedom and independence of even the strongest character cannot remain unaffected.

Albert Einstein

The Chess Club not only provides a platform for intellectual growth but also fosters a sense of community among its members. The strategic nature of the game encourages students to think critically, plan ahead, and engage in friendly competition. Its not just about moving pieces on a board; its about honing skills that transcend the chessboard and become valuable assets in academics and beyond.

For those intimidated by the idea of learning a new game, Mr. Vic emphasizes incorporating chess into ones routine, saying, Use your phones for chess instead of TikTok, and you will get better rapidly if you give it a chance.

In a world dominated by digital distractions, the Chess Club offers a unique opportunity for students to redirect their focus toward a mentally stimulating and rewarding activity.

Chess isnt just a game; its a journey of personal and intellectual development. Whether youre a grandmaster in the making or a casual player looking for a new hobby, Bethel Parks Chess Club welcomes everyone to join the ranks of strategic thinkers and experience the timeless appeal of the game.

Chess Club meets on Mondays and Wednesdays in Mr. Vics room. Feel the thrill or pain that comes with one word: checkmate!

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Why every student should give Chess Club a chance - Hawk Eye